"Who Is Ritchie Blackmore?"I Asked

Several years ago my husband became excited about the music of a renaissance group called Blackmore's Night. He told me that it had been started by Ritchie Blackmore and his partner, Candice Night."And who is Ritchie Blackmore?" I asked.Dumbfounded, he said, "Have you ever heard of the group Deep Purple? Ritchie was the lead guitarist."

I tend to come at things backwards at times. For example, when I pick up a magazine, I start reading it from back to front. So it was that I found out about the band, Deep Purple. At the time Deep Purple was popular, I was more likely listening to the Carpenters, Carole King, and James Taylor. So I began to educate myself and soon became a Deep Purple fan (better late than never, right?)

Let's Start at the BeginningThe Deep Purple Years

Image by Dana Wullenwaber via Wikimedia Commons

Blackmore was 11 years old when he got his first guitar. He took classical guitar lessons for a year, which often shows up in his playing. He was influenced in his youth by early rockers like Hank Marvin and Gene Vincent, and later, country pickers like Chet Atkins.

Blackmore was in a lot of different bands and did studio session work before Deep Purple. With organist Jon Lord, he co-founded Deep Purple in 1968, and continued to be a member of Deep Purple from 1968-1975 and again from 1984-1993. Blackmore came up with the name of the group, named after his grandmother’s favorite song. He left the group in 1993 due to conflicts with the other band members.

My husband introduced me to some Deep Purple classics that simply blew me away. Songs like “Child in Time,” “Black Night,” and “Demon’s Eye,” And several years ago, we saw Ritchie in person with his Blackmore’s Night group. They ended the show by playing some of the Deep Purple classics such as “Smoke on the Water”. That was an incredible experience.

“Child in Time” was featured on their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock, The song is 10 minutes and 17 seconds long. “Black Night” was created when the group went to a pub and got drunk while searching for inspiration. The guitar riff was based on Ricky Nelson’s recording of “Summertime.”

“Smoke on the Water” was first released on the 1972 album Machine Head. In 2004, the song was ranked #426 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and in March 2005, Q magazine placed “Smoke on the Water” at number 12 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. Most people are familiar with the story of the fire at Montreux Casino in Switzerland which was the inspiration for the song.

Watch the videos below of two of my favorite Deep Purple songs from the Ritchie Blackmore era. There are so many to choose from, it was hard to pick just two.

It's Never Too Late to Enjoy Classic Rock

100 Greatest Guitarists: Ritchie Blackmore | Rolling Stone Music"The Deep Purple and Rainbow leader is a master of both bottom-line riffs and jaw-dropping virtuoso flights. It's ironic that despite his classica leanings, this master technician is best-known for one of the most simplest riffs of all time: Purple's "Smoke on the Water."

Jon Lord has sadly passed away - Jon Lord ; The Official WebsiteIt is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday 16th July at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family.Jon Lord 9 June 1941 - 16 July 2012.

Deep Purple Colleagues Fondly Remember Jon LordPersonal message from Ritchie about Jon Lord's passing:"Jon was not only a great musician, he was my favorite dinner companion.We are all deeply saddened. We knew he was sick but the word was that he was recovering and doing much better. This news came as a complete shock. Without Jon there would be no Deep Purple. He lives on in our hearts and memories."

Image via Pixabay

"There has to be a reason why I'm playing the guitar. It's not just for money. It's got to be that inner fulfillment." Ritchie Blackmore

Blackmore's Rainbow

When I discovered Deep Purple, I skipped from them back to Blackmore’s Night, totally oblivious to the fact that in between the two, Ritchie had a band called Rainbow. I got clued into the fact from comments made during Blackmore’s Night performances, but didn’t pay much attention. After all, I had heard of Deep Purple, but had never heard of Rainbow. So how good could they be?

Then I stumbled across a CD of Rainbow songs and decided to buy it. At the time I had the kind of job that allowed me to listen to music during the day (I know, makes you jealous doesn’t it?) When I started listening to those songs, I realized that Ritchie had not just disappeared into the woodwork after leaving Deep Purple. He had continued to create incredible music.

Ritchie formed Rainbow in 1975 when he left Deep Purple the first time. The name of the group was inspired by a bar and grill in Hollywood that many rock stars frequented. In an interview done at that time, Ritchie said, “I heard the song “Black Sheep of the Family”, which is the single from the new Rainbow album, and I asked Purple if they wanted to do it on the next LP and they said they didn’t want to do anybody else’s songs. I really wanted to do this song. I had wanted to do it for the last two years."Guitar International

So he left Deep Purple and stayed with Rainbow until 1984. when he re-joined Deep Purple. He left Purple again in 1993 and re-formed Rainbow. There is a lot to the story so I will refer you to Wikipedia for more details.

Then I stumbled across a CD of Rainbow songs and decided to buy it. At the time I had the kind of job that allowed me to listen to music during the day (I know, makes you jealous doesn’t it?) When I started listening to those songs, I realized that Ritchie had not just disappeared into the woodwork after leaving Deep Purple. He had continued to create incredible music.

A Sample of Rainbow SongsWatch "Stone Cold" to See Ritchie's Fingerwork

More Classics to Add to Your Collection

Ritchie Blackmore, The Man in Black

Moody, difficult to work with, belligerent, intolerant, obstinate, egotistical. These and many more unflattering words have been used to describe Ritchie over the years.

Wondering about the truth of these allegations, I ordered the book, “Black Knight, Ritchie Blackmore,” an unauthorized biography by Jerry Bloom.

I found the book difficult to read, mainly because it is so detailed. The author describes each concert and record in great detail, and then will throw in a brief tidbit such as “and then Ritchie got married.” Still, it contains a wealth of information about this enigmatic person with many interviews with people who knew him closely, as well as documented interviews with Ritchie himself.

So I have gleaned several important facts from reading this book.<br><br>At an early age, Ritchie became interested in spiritualism and often conducted séances in hotel rooms. He still has an interest in the paranormal and describes himself as a spiritual person, not a religious one.

Unlike most rock musicians of his era, Ritchie did not use drugs. He did drink alcohol heavily and was a charmer of women. He liked women blonde and big breasted. Although he had three wives and several steady girlfriends during his Deep Purple/Rainbow days, this did not interfere with his dallying with the ladies while on tour. This has been fairly normal behavior for rock musicians. Ritchie was no exception and frequently bragged about his exploits.

Ritchie had a son named Jurgen Blackmore from his first marriage. Ritchie was mostly uninvolved in his life, rather like John and Julian Lennon’s relationship. However, Jurgen has also become a guitarist and has joined with some former Rainbow members in a band called “Over the Rainbow.”

Ritchie has long been referred to as the Man in Black due to his preference for wearing black clothing.

I pass no judgment on Ritchie’s behavior or personality. He is who he is. We are all here to learn our particular lessons in life.

What Others Say About Ritchie

“I firmly believe that Blackmore is the micro-chip that when you plug it into the computer called Deep Purple it makes it work. That’s why I think the real Deep Purple finished when Ritchie left.”Jon Lord, 1984

“Ritchie Blackmore invented heavy rock: He was doing it years before us and probably invented power chords as well.” Pete Townshend

“As I’ve grown older, Ritchie Blackmore keeps going up in my eyes as a guitar player. I put him up there in Hendrix territory at this point in my life”Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins

“You know, people don’t talk about Ritchie Blackmore enough. I don’t know why, but he was such a trail blazer and technically incredible — unpredictable in every possible way. It’s great. That’s what you love, isn’t it?"Brian May in interview with Planet Rock.

Ritchie Blackmore Still Rocking His Strat at Age 70

Image from a boxed clip art collection. Click on image for the newest version.

"Sixteenth Century Greensleeves is (Rainbow's) idea of a castle where the black knight lives. The black knight of course being Ritchie and the black knight periodically comes out of his castle and captures a young peasant maiden from the village."Ronnie James Diofrom the book Black Knight

Man in Black to Black Knight

Ritchie and Candice Night met while Ritchie was playing in a soccer game in Long Island, NY. Deep Purple had challenged the local radio station to a match. Candice was working for the radio st ation and was only 18 years old while Ritchie was 44.

They found they had a lot in common and became friends. In fact, they have stated it felt like they had known each other forever. The romance came later. They began experimenting with medieval and Renaissance music, in which Ritchie has always had an interest. And so Blackmore’s Night was born.

Ritchie began playing the acoustic guitar along with other instruments such as the hurdy gurdy. He still uses the electric guitar and the band usually play a few Deep Purple and Rainbow songs during their concerts. Most of them are much improved when sung by Candice, especially “Child in Time.”

It is common for people to put people they admire into a box and then become angry if that person refuses to stay in that box. Many of Ritchie’s fans protested at first at his change of direction musically. But now, more than 18 years after Blackmore’s Night was formed, many of the old Deep Purple and Rainbow fans have come to admire his new musical genre and Blackmore’s Night has a whole new set of fans – myself included.

Some people who have known Ritchie for a long time say he seems more relaxed and happy now. He is using his creativity to write music that he loves. He has a partner that compliments him and seems to bring out his better side, despite their difference in ages. Remember the three wives and many girlfriends? On October 5, 2008 Candice Night and Ritchie Blackmore were married at the Castle on the Hudson after 19 years together.

So the Man in Black has become the Black Knight, complete with castles and a fair maiden. We were privileged to see them in concert several years ago. I didn’t know anything about the history at that time, nor that Ritchie Blackmore was considered to be a “guitar god.” I just knew that I enjoyed the concert immensely and have bought every CD and DVD they have made. If they ever come to our area of the country, we will be sure to be there, dressed in our “witchy” garb, of course.

Image from Pixabay

"I'm very moved by Renaissance music, but I still love to play hard rock - though only if it's sophisticated and has some thought behind it."Ritchie Blackmore

Blackmore's Night live in concert at the Tarrytown Music Hall, October 25, 2012 courtesy of Nsoveiko at Wikimedia Commons.

The Magic of Children

Candice Night performing in 2009 with Blackmores's Night. House of Blues, Chicago, IL, USA; courtesy of Nsoveiko at Wikimedia Commons

Ritchie and Candice announced the birth of their baby girl, Autumn Esmerelda at the end of May, 2010. They say she was the inspiration for their album, Autumn Sky.

Candice wrote: “I am just absolutely breathless at the presence of this beautiful child.She has the eyes of an old soul, a gentle spirit…”

Ritchie and Candice are always full of surprises. While snooping around I came across this post on Candice’s website.

“As I speak of miracles, I feel it is now a good time to let you all in on a secret. An absolute miracle that we experienced a few months ago. On February 7th of this year, (2012) Ritchie and I welcomed a beautiful baby boy to this world.

His name is Rory Dartanyan and he is such an incredibly sweet spirit! His sister is so excited to have a little brother and our family is now complete. 2 adults, 2 children and 2 cats. A full house! And of course, in celebration, music is filling the air…. So, yes, we now have our little gypsy girl with Autumn Esmerelda and our very own musketeer in Rory Dartanyan.”

Start or Add to Your Blackmore's Night Collection Today

Ritchie discusses how he loves having creative freedom to do any style of of music he chooses. Candace points out that he smiles a lot on stage now, something that is quite apparent when you watch the videos.

Stop Blaming Candice

Candice Night's solo CD, Reflections

I’ve hung around in a few forums and have been horrified and dismayed at the way Deep Purple and Rainbow fans continue to blame Candice Night for Ritchie leaving Rock and Roll for Renaissance music. The truth is that it is Ritchie who has always been interested in Renaissance music. In fact, that is all he listens to.

There was a great interview with the two of them on a radio show where they tell the true story of why Ritchie disbanded Rainbow and they began to get serious about Blackmore’s Night. It is worth listening to.

So to you rock die-hards who continue to blame Candice, please give it a rest. Ritchie is happy doing what he loves. We should all be so lucky.

Watch Blackmore's Night in Concert With These DVDs

Latest Album From Blackmore's NightAll Our Yesterdays

Ritchie Blackmore Plays Rock AgainThe rumors were true. Ritchie decided to re-create a Rainbow short rock tour, only three shows n Europe in 2016. He is still dedicated to Blackmore's Night. He states he did it partly due to nostalgia as many of his old musical partners have passed on (Jon Lord of Deep Purple, etc), and it is time to "time to play some of the old songs." Ritchie turned 71 years old in April 2016. Ritchie himself says he is "﻿deteriorating very fas﻿t" so I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last time he visits his rock and roll roots.

The Ritchie Blackmore Story on DVD available from Amazon.

Another SurpriseIt is no secret that Ritchie seldom agrees to being interviewed, so it was exciting that he agreed to be featured in the first authorized biography called The Ritchie Blackmore Story. Itfeatures in-depth interviews with Ritchie about his life and career, along with contributions from many of his colleagues and admirers.

I Would Love to Hear From You!

Are you a Blackmore fan? Have you heard of Blackmore’s Night? Ever been to any concerts? Have any stories you want to tell? Leave a comment, I love to hear from my readers.

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